For fans of Jennifer Holm ("Penny from Heaven, Turtle in Paradise"), a heartfelt and unforgettable middle-grade novel about an irresistible girl and her family, tragic change, and the healing power of love and friendship. In 1972 home is a cozy nest on Cape Cod for eleven-year-old Naomi Chirp Orenstein, her older sister, Rachel; her psychiatrist father; and her dancer mother. But then Chirp s mom develops symptoms of a serious disease, and everything changes.
Chirp finds comfort in watching her beloved wild birds. She also finds a true friend in Joey, the mysterious boy who lives across the street. Together they create their own private world and come up with the perfect plan: Escape. Adventure. Discovery.
"Nest" is Esther Ehrlich s stunning debut novel. Her lyrical writing is honest, humorous, and deeply affecting. Chirp and Joey will steal your heart. Long after you finish "Nest, " the spirit of Chirp and her loving family will stay with you.
Praise for "Nest"
"A poignant, insightful story of family crisis and the healing power of friendship."--"Kirkus Reviews, " Starred
"A stunning debut, with lyrical prose and superbly developed characters. . . . Readers] will savor "Nest" and reflect on it long after its conclusion."--"School Library Journal," Starred
"Ehrlich s novel beautifully captures the fragile bond shared by Chirp and Joey and their growing trust for each other in a world filled with disappointments and misunderstandings."--"Publishers Weekly, " Starred
"Chirp s first-person voice is believable; her poignant earnestness is truly heartrending. Ehrlich writes beautifully, constructing scenes with grace and layers of telling detail and insight."--"The Horn Book" What authors are saying about "Nest:
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"Nest "sings with heart and emotion. Simply gorgeous. --Jennifer L. Holm, "New York Times" bestselling author of "Turtle in Paradise
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""Nest "speaks to the heart. I wanted to put my arms around Chirp and never let go."--Holly Goldberg Sloan, author of "Counting by 7s" and "I'll Be There"
"I loved the book It's so tender and touching and real. Chirp is a marvelous character, and Joey's just plain lovable. I worry about him. Congratulations.The book is absolutely splendid and I hope everyone in the world notices."--Karen Cushman, author of the Newbery Medal, "The Midwife's Apprentice" and the Newbery Honor, "Catherine, Called Birdy"
A remarkable work. Esther Ehrlich s characters stand out so real and true: Chirp s friendship with Joey is tender and moving, and truly unforgettable. One can see Cape Cod and feel Chirp s love for the birds wheeling overhead. I wanted this story to go on and on. What a brilliant future this author has. I can t wait to read her next book. --Patricia Reilly Giff, two-time Newbery Honor winning author"